Entertainment Technology News

Anton/Bauer USB Battery Management System Makes IBC 2009 Debut

By Staff
posted Aug 31, 2009, 15:17

New AB-BMS (Anton/Bauer Battery Management System)New Application Streamlines Battery Operation

(Amsterdam, Netherlands) Anton/Bauer�, a brand of The Vitec Group, and one of the world's premier provider of batteries, chargers, lighting and other mobile power systems for the professional broadcast, video and film industries is introducing its new AB-BMS (Anton/Bauer Battery Management System) to the European market at IBC 2009 (Stand 9.D28b). This application includes Battery Management software and a USB to Anton/Bauer Gold Mount bracket. The AB-BMS streamlines battery maintenance protocols while delivering critical information to the camera operator.

When a battery is installed on the AB-BMS Gold Mount bracket, information is downloaded from the battery via the Battery Management software into a PC. The software will automatically open a file based on the battery serial number, date of manufacture, and store all battery related data for the purpose of usage tracking. By storing this data, the Battery Management software offers users a selectable battery capacity "trip point" for invoking an early e-mail warning as the battery approaches 60% or 70% of nameplate capacity. The software also provides for end-user defined options for local, regional and Anton/Bauer e-mail addresses.

"When high pressure breaking news events are overwhelming ENG crews, the last thing the operator needs to worry about is current battery charge and overall battery reliability," says Joe Murtha, Anton/Bauer engineering manager. "Our new Battery Management System gives the camera operator the information to verify how much charge is left, but know the details related to overall battery health. The AB-BMS delivers all essential information about the battery and the interaction with the particular camera giving the operator high confidence going into a critical capture situation."

The Battery Management software calculates how long a given battery will run a given camera based on an included database of professional video cameras and their respective load rating in watts. The operator simply selects the camera model and the software automatically displays the runtime for the installed battery. The operator can also enter additional camera specifications into the data base.

Essential information such as the battery model name (e.g. HyTRON� 140) with a picture of the installed battery, the battery's temperature, voltage, present capacity, learned capacity, nameplate capacity and serial number are also displayed. A graphical representation of the battery's RealTime� "fuel gauge" also appears on the screen displaying the percentage of capacity and remaining runtime.

About Anton/Bauer

Anton/Bauer is recognized as one of the world's innovator and premier provider of batteries, chargers, lighting and other key mobile power systems for the professional broadcast, video and film industries. Based in the United States in Shelton, CT, with offices in Europe and Asia, Anton/Bauer was established in 1970 and has expanded its product offerings to include many signature lines such as its leading Gold Mount� system, InterActive� chargers and Logic Series� batteries such as the HyTRON� 50, 100 and 140, and Dionic� 90, 160 and HC. Their products are compatible with virtually every camera brand on the market today. Other Anton/Bauer high performance products include the UltraLight�, ElipZ�, ElightZ�, CINE-VCLX� and CINE VCLX/2�. Their superior-quality products have become an industry standard. For more information on Anton/Bauer, visit www.antonbauer.com

About the Vitec Group PLC

The Vitec Group plc is a global leader in the supply of equipment and services to the broadcast, electronic media, photographic and live events industries, and is rapidly extending its reach into related areas such as government, security and defence. Vitec's many industry-leading product brands have established a formidable reputation for innovation, technical excellence, and superior service and support. The diverse range of brands are united by a common Vitec Group commitment to delivering a world-class customer experience, and a visionary approach to the future. This befits an enterprise which has grown both organically and by acquisition to incorporate over 2000 employees worldwide and achieve a 2008 turnover of almost half a billion dollars. Vitec Group products are distributed in almost 100 countries, through both direct sales and by means of a strong, fully-resourced distribution network. The Vitec Group comprises:

The Broadcast Systems Division, which develops, manufactures and distributes high quality manual and robotic camera supports, location lighting, camera and equipment bags, portable power solutions, prompting products, wireless camera links and communication systems used principally by broadcast and live entertainment professionals. Brands include - Anton/Bauer, Autoscript, Clear-Com, Litepanels, MSC, Nucomm, OConnor, Petrol, RF Central, Sachtler, TCS (The Camera Store), Vinten and Vinten Radamec. www.vitecgroupbroadcast.com

The Imaging & Staging Division, which designs, manufactures and distributes photographic and video-camera support; lighting, trusses and suspension systems for the professional photography, video, cinematography and live event markets. Brands include - Manfrotto, Gitzo, Kata, Avenger, Litec, IFF, Bogen Imaging, Tomcat and Brilliant Stages. www.vitecgroup.it

The Broadcast Services Division, a leading provider of professional video and audio rental equipment, and engineering support for major event productions. Brands include - ASG and Bexel. www.bexel.com

More information can be found at www.vitecgroup.com.